We’ve heard the Staves’ studio-recorded single as well as their backup harmonies with Fionn Regan, but here’s proof that the English trio are one of the best acts coming out of London’s emerging new-folk movement: “The Motherlode,” a new cut held off their debut Mexico EP, sung live here for an intimate episode of The Crypt Sessions. Not unlike Laura Marling, a fellow Ethan Johns collaborator, sisters Emily, Jessica, and Camilla Stavely-Taylor’s seemingly effortless ability to turn in a perfect vocal performance translates beyond and occasionally exceeds the studio treatment. Johns’ legendary father, Glyn, also recorded tracks for their debut set for later this year, bringing Ryan Adams’ Glyn-assisted 2011 dominance in the acoustic live clip arena to mind, as well.
Needless to say, this clip is a stunning display of talent and is highly recommended to any fan of the aforementioned names or previous Staves praise:
To celebrate indie retail shops becoming stocked with 7″ vinyl copies of his Break It Yourself single, Andrew Bird took to Facebook today to share the A-side: his distorted, feedback-laced take on Alpha Consumer’s “The Crown Salesman.” While you’ll have to pick up the physical release to hear its B-side cover of the Handsome Family’s “So Much Wine” — also a 2011 live favorite for Bird fans — a free MP3 download of the impressive former cut is available 
Jack White’s project-specific color obsession continued today, as the Third Man leader followed his accompanying black and white with red in the White Stripes, yellow for his label, and the Wanda Jackson band’s fuchsia with his solo hue of choice, blue, in the new official video for